Our View: Jobless claim proposal doubles the trouble

Double could mean more toil and trouble for the unemployed in Wisconsin.

The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee recommends doubling to four the number of job search actions required each week to continue receiving unemployment checks. The proposal, which is backed by Gov. Scott Walker, requires approval by the full legislature, where Republicans are in the majority.

The increase is too much, too soon. It smacks of the kind of impulsive action that got Walker and his party in political hot water at the beginning of his term, when they moved to virtually eliminate collective bargaining for public unions. They ultimately succeeded, but Walker and the GOP are still feeling the political backlash.

That move was seen as a slap in the face to the middle and lower classes, and the unemployment compensation requirement will be viewed no differently. It shifts the burden from a governor who promised to create 250,000 new jobs after taking office to a perception that those not fortunate enough to have work simply aren't trying hard enough.

To be fair, there are many content to collect unemployment checks without actively looking for work. They know how to work the system, and will continue to do that no matter how many job search actions are required.

We believe the majority collecting unemployment, however, are diligent in their efforts at obtaining gainful employment under the current system. What is needed are more jobs, not stricter rules in obtaining the relatively few available.

The lack of jobs, in fact, is among the chief factors in the frustration many feel in getting off the unemployment dole. Tightening the rules to make them among the nation's most stringent will only add to that sense of frustration.

The Legislature should take a hard look at this proposal before putting one more burden on the shoulders of the middle and lower classes. At the very least, it should remove the provision from the state budget and take it up as separate legislation, to give it the hearing it deserves.

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Our View: Jobless claim proposal doubles the trouble

Double could mean more toil and trouble for the unemployed in Wisconsin.

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